Rate Hike Alert: Key Points
- Proposed Increases: North Sydney Council has applied for a Special Rate Variation (SRV) seeking a 53% rise in ordinary rates over three years and a 63% jump for minimum rates.
- A Second Attempt: This new proposal follows a rejected 87% hike request from last year, which IPART blocked due to poor consultation and community opposition.
- Critical Deadlines: The public consultation period is currently open, but submissions to IPART close strictly on Monday, 9 March 2026.
- Political Opposition: Member for Willoughby Tim James has slammed the move as a "quick fix" for financial mismanagement and is urging residents to protest the application.
- Impact on Locals: Critics argue the hike treats hardworking residents and small businesses as a "cash cow" rather than addressing budget repair.
- Next Steps: Following the March deadline, a final decision from the regulator is expected later in 2026.
North Sydney ratepayers are being urged to weigh in on a proposed rate hike.
Council has applied to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a Special Rate Variation, that would see ordinary rates increase by 53 per cent over three years, with the minimum rate rising by 63 per cent.
The proposal follows an attempt last year by Council to introduce an 87 per cent rate increase. IPART rejected the request and criticised council’s consultation process. The community overwhelmingly opposed the hike, protesting publicly against the rate increase.
Member for Willoughby Tim James is instructing residents to again submit their opinions to IPART on the new proposal.
‘Council’s proposal reflects a lazy and out-of-touch approach from a Council unwilling to do the hard work required to repair its budget and live within its means. Instead, hardworking residents and small businesses are being treated as a cash cow and a quick fix for Council’s financial mismanagement,’ said Member James in a recent statement.
IPART is now assessing the application and has opened a public consultation process. Submissions close on Monday 9 March 2026, with the regulator’s decision expected later this year.
